Atty. Ezekiel E. Cortez

Atty. Ezekiel E. Cortez

A National Practice Devoted To Complex Federal Criminal Defense, Federal and State Habeas Litigation And Other Federal Matters. Ezekiel E.

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Profile Summary

About Ezekiel E. Cortez at a glance

Ezekiel E. Cortez is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in San Diego, California, practicing at Ezekiel E Cortez, Law Offices. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California and United States, The State Bar of California. Educated at University of San Diego (J.D., 1983). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in San Diego, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • A National Practice Devoted To Complex Federal Criminal Defense, Federal and State Habeas Litigation And Other Federal Matters
  • Ezekiel E. Cortez is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization after passing the federal specialist examination
  • As a devoted career criminal defense attorney, Mr. Cortez has unwaveringly devoted his practice to the defense of federal criminal cases and other federal matters since 1984
  • Since 1988 Mr. Cortez has also engaged in Habeas Corpus Litigation of selected federal and state cases
  • Mr. Cortez's legal ability and ethical conduct have earned the highest peer-review rating available from Martindale-Hubbell - an AV rating
  • For over two decades now, Mr. Cortez has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers In America
  • Mr. Cortez has also been listed in San Diego Magazine's "Best Lawyers In San Diego" in 2001 and 2005-2009 as one of only a handful of elite criminal defense lawyers described by the magazine as the type of lawyer that other "attorneys would go to if they needed a [federal criminal defense] lawyer
  • Mr. Cortez was also listed in Super Lawyers since the 2007 edition of California: San Diego, Criminal Defense: White Collar category as one of the "Seriously Outstanding Top 5%" in his field
  • Cordialmente invitamos a clientes de habla hispana

Practice Areas Explained

Ezekiel E. Cortez's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ezekiel E. Cortez handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Ezekiel E. Cortez is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

White Collar Crimes

Ezekiel E. Cortez is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Diego are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Diego or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ezekiel E. Cortez

Where is Ezekiel E. Cortez's law office located?
Ezekiel E. Cortez's law practice is located in San Diego, California. The firm is Ezekiel E Cortez, Law Offices. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ezekiel E. Cortez handle?
Ezekiel E. Cortez focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did Ezekiel E. Cortez go to law school?
Ezekiel E. Cortez earned their education at (J.D., 1983).
How can I contact Ezekiel E. Cortez for a consultation?
You can contact Ezekiel E. Cortez directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Ezekiel E. Cortez received?
Ezekiel E. Cortez's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense; Best Lawyers in America — Federal.

Education

J.D.
University of San Diego
- 1983

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Federal
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — White-Collar Criminal Defense
- 2026

Bar Admissions

California, The State Bar of California
United States, The State Bar of California

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